Ponga Lodge

Ponga Lodge

Lake Tarawera, Rotorua

Ponga Lodge is set only minutes away from the edge of Lake Tarawera and 24 minutes from Rotorua.

The safari tent is set in a sheltered spot with a ponga forest to the rear and breathtaking views over Lake Tarawera to the front.

The interior of the tent features a super-king bed with a dual electric blanket. There's comfortable lounge seating and cosy rugs. The decor is simple and stylish - and the soft glow of the overhead lantern light gives a lovely ambiance and warmth. A naked flame biofuel fire keeps you extra toasty.

The undercover kitchen and dining area are equipped with everything you need to make a delicious meal. There is also a large dining table with an infrared overhead heater. A luxury stoked hot tub bath, with instant hot water, is set on the large deck -looking out to the lake. The bathroom, clad with rustic reclaimed wood is accessible via an automatically-lit decked walkway.

Surrounded by nature, you're likely to see fantails, tuis, kereru, and morepork owls perched in the bushes. You may even hear the distant roar of a deer in Autumn. On a clear night, you'll be treated to breathtaking crystal-clear starlit skies.

FROM $390 p/n

Includes a Double Kayak

  • Sleeps 2

A $50 Single Night Surcharge applies on top of the nightly rate when booking a single night. You will need to add this charge during the booking process. The calendar below will specify where one-night bookings are allowed.

ADDRESS
 

144 Spencer Road, Lake Tarawera, Rotorua 3076

LOCATION
 

Ponga Lodge is set only minutes away from the edge of Lake Tarawera and 24 minutes from Rotorua.

Follow the Google Maps directions to the address.

You will receive a pre-arrival email with detailed arrival instructions and your host's details 5-days prior to your stay.

There is ample parking space so guests are welcome to bring their boat or trailer.

Note: If you have booked within 5 days and haven't received a pre-arrival email shortly after booking, please email us at [email protected].

Ponga Lodge

What time is check-in and check-out?

What are the bed and bedding arrangements?

What are the kitchen and cooking facilities?

What are the bathroom facilities?

Is there power?

Is there mobile phone reception and WiFI?

What sort of heating is there?

Can I have an outdoor fire?

What is glamping like in winter?

CAN CHILDREN STAY AT ponga Lodge?

Can I bring my dog?

How private and remote is Ponga Lodge?

What is the access like and where do I park my car?

What do i need to bring?

Can I book for one night only?

Minimum stay periods

rates

Extras

gift vouchers

2. booking and payments

3. Guest cancellations and date changes

4. Host Cancellations

5. safety and hazards

6. pets

7. GST

8. conditions of occupancy and conduct

9. Complaints

10. Liability

11. Gift vouchers

12. Law

13. Changes to booking conditions

14. Authority to sign

  • eating and drinking

    Ponga Lodge is self-catering. Just bring your own food, and cook meals using the Weber Q BBQ, single induction hob and mini oven/air fryer. You'll find all the cutlery, crockery, pots and pans that you'll need.

    If you'd like to dine out, Rotorua is only 25 minutes away and offers a diverse range of restaurants. For nearby options, you can check out The Landing Cafe for brunch, or Eastwood, which serves pizza, burgers, and beer. In town, you'll find Eat Streat, an undercover dining hub with numerous al fresco options available year-round. Another great option is Capers, which offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as an artisanal and organic food shop next door.

    The nearest store for stocking up on food and supplies is in Rotorua, 25 minutes. A few takeaway shops are 15 minutes away at the bottom of Tarawera Road.

  • things to do

    Stay cosy on cooler days by snuggling up with a movie (Netflix available), playing board games, and turning on the electric heater.

    On a fine day, you have the great outdoors to explore. Enjoy the stunning bush on the property or visit Stoney Point beach -  just a quick 2-minute stroll from the property. Go swimming, or try kayaking, and fishing with the boats and rods provided (be sure to try catching the famous rainbow trout from the jetty!).

    The area is also home to several walking tracks and a public tennis court, as well as fallow deer and sheep that you can feed and pet.

    During your stay, we want to ensure you have the opportunity to experience the natural wonders of Lake Tarawera to the fullest. We're excited to share that you can arrange for the Tarawera Water Taxi service, which offers a unique journey to the other side of the lake. Once there, you'll have the chance to immerse yourself in the rejuvenating experience of bathing in the natural hot pools. Whether you seek relaxation or adventure, this option promises an unforgettable addition to your stay. When you make your reservation we will provide a link so that you can book this experience if desired.

    If you're interested in learning more about the area's rich history, be sure to visit The Buried Village of Te Wairoa, which offers a glimpse into the volcanic eruption of 1886 and the local Tarawera history. Additionally, the team at Totally Tarawera provides a water taxi service for lake excursions to hot water beaches, the Tarawera Falls Walk, and pick-up and drop-off services for the famous Tarawera Trail.

    To relax and unwind, guests can visit the nearby Hell's Gate Geothermal Park and Mud Bath Spa or the Polynesian Spa for a rejuvenating beauty spa and massage. For adventure seekers, The Redwoods Treewalk, located just a 20-minute drive away, and White Water Rafting are great options. And don't forget to check out Te Puia, which features the famous Pohutu Geyser that spouts boiling water up to 30 metres into the air, as well as other natural geothermal wonders.

  • your hosts

    Your hosts at Ponga Lodge are David and Angela who live at Lake Tarawera, along with their son, Ben, and dog, Spencer.

    David and Angela first met in the UK in 1989 when Dave, a West Otago boy, was on his big O.E - and it was love at first sight! After marrying in 1990, they returned to New Zealand to work on the family farm in Otago. Eight years and two children later, career opportunities enticed them to the UK. They returned to New Zealand to Tarawera in 2017.

    Captivated by the area's breathtaking lake and mountain views, lush green landscapes, and diverse wildlife - David and Angela decided to embark on visitor accommodation. They created Jack's Hut, a 1930's shepherd's hut from the family farm in West Otago, before establishing Ponga Lodge in early 2023, which has quickly become a popular addition.

    The name 'Ponga Lodge' was inspired by the stunning ponga forest located directly behind the accommodation.

Browse the Collection

Beautiful tents surrounded by nature, quirky cabins with packets of personality and secret hideaways that offer something completely unique... Explore the other places in our collection.

Find your escape